29 May 2014

RENT: A Story That Resonates Even Today

Is RENT as relevant today as it was when it first hit the Broadway stage back in the mid-90s? That is the question I seek to address today on the Simon Morris blog. Is this classic modern musical still relevant? This is a problem that every musical theatre production faces at some point or another, as does every piece of art that has ever been created. Art often depends on the societal trends of the day to make an impact, however it is its ability to rise above its own cultural environment and tap into common human emotion that makes great art timeless....

23 May 2014

We’re Off to See the Wizard!

Greetings Simon Morris readers, last week reports suggesting that JK Rowling has agreed to the development of a Harry Potter theatre production set tongues wagging everywhere. Potter fanatics across the world wept with joy. Growing up as a kid in the 90’s, of course I was a Harry Potter fan. I was obsessed. I remember the first time I got Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, I read it non-stop until I finished (it took me two days) and I practically made my mum drive me to Waterstones at midnight to collect my pre-ordered version of Harry...

1 May 2014

My Top Five Musical Theatre Anthems

Every time I get out my IPod and switch the player to my ‘musical theatre’ playlist, there are five songs that even now inspire something in me that nothing else can, and that’s why I believe they rise head and shoulders above the rest. That’s why this week I wanted to let you in on my top five musical theatre anthems! A musical number is meant to inspire something inside you – whether it is pride, anger, fear, sadness, compassion, bravery, admiration etc. It’s supposed to make you feel something, and in turn make you believe in the character’s...